Image Source: Candela

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The maritime industry is undergoing a profound transformation, with an increasing shift toward electrification, automation, and sustainable propulsion. Ships today are no longer just vessels for transport; they are complex, technology-driven systems integrating advanced power electronics, autonomous navigation, real-time data processing, and high-density energy storage.

This transformation is not limited to large commercial vessels, marine electrification is extending across, Autonomous Shipping, Electric Jet Skis, Electric Yachts, Naval Defense Vessels, Hybrid Ferries, etc.

Marine environments, once pristine, are also increasingly affected by pollution from fossil-fuel-powered vessels. These pollutants have long-term consequences on marine ecosystems, impacting biodiversity, water quality, and even global climate patterns. The shift toward electric and hybrid marine propulsion is a great step toward reducing this impact, but it brings new engineering challenges - particularly in thermal management.

While traditional internal combustion engines dissipate large amounts of excess energy as waste heat, electric and hybrid propulsion systems operate with a much higher efficiency. However they are also not 100% efficient, and typical generate concentrated heat loads that must be managed precisely.

At the same time, marine environments present some of the harshest operating conditions, constant exposure to salt, humidity, extreme temperatures, ultraviolet radiation and vibrations. This means conventional cooling solutions are maintenance-heavy, and prone to failure.

Applications Benefiting from Advanced Thermal Management:

Here are some companies developing cutting-edge vessels in different segments of the marine market:

• Autonomous Shipping – Buffalo Automation specializes in autonomous navigation systems for commercial ships, recreational boats, ferries, and water taxis. This on board compute power must be cooled effectively in order to operate safely.
• Electric Catamarans – Volta offers a diverse range of electric and hybrid boats, including compact, high-performance watercraft.
• Electric Jet Skis - Taiga Motors are developing electric watercraft, including compact, high-performance jet skis. The power electronics on board experience extreme fluctuations in load - resulting in rapidly changing heat dissipation.
• Electric Yachts – Soel Yachts provides solar-electric yachts for a sustainable yachting experience. Candela also builds electric hydrofoil boats, including the Candela C-8 luxury model. On board power consumption drastically reduces operational range of these vehicles as there is no 'free' electricity from an ICE.
• Hybrid Ferries – Candela introduced the Candela P-12, an electric hydrofoil ferry reducing energy consumption by 80%. These systems are critical in coastal/lake communities as local residents are often completely reliant on ferry operations to move around.
• Electric Propulsion Platforms - Navalt are developing a fully integrated system for vessels of all sizes.

The Problem: Heat and harsh environments

Marine environments are among the most extreme on Earth. Heat, humidity, UV, salt exposure, and constant vibrations create a punishing setting for critical electronics. Without robust design, cooling systems can suffer from:

• Corrosion: Salt buildup degrades components over time.
• Clogging: Dust, sand and debris obstruct traditional cooling fins and fans.
• Ultraviolet Radiation: Constant exposure to sunlight can degrade materials, accelerate wear on components, and lead to overheating if not managed effectively.

With the increasing adoption of electrified propulsion and autonomous systems, the stakes are higher than ever. Batteries, inverters, processors, and high-power converters all require precise cooling to ensure operational stability and efficiency. A failure in thermal management not only reduces component lifespan but can also result in costly downtime and compromised safety.

Three applications for 2-Phase cooling:

1. Power Electronics: Converters, Inverters and On-Board Chargers

Modern ships rely on high-power electronics for energy conversion, whether it is for propulsion, on board power or energy storage. These components generate significant heat, and without effective cooling, they suffer from reduced efficiency, increased energy losses, and premature failure. Overheating in inverters, converters, and high-voltage control units can lead to power fluctuations, unexpected shutdowns, and costly maintenance. Traditional liquid cooling systems, while effective, require regular upkeep and consume valuable energy, reducing overall system efficiency.

Calyos' two-phase loops provide a passive, high-performance cooling solution that efficiently transfers heat away from power electronics, ensuring stable operation even in the most demanding marine environments. By eliminating the need for bulky liquid cooling systems, these loops prevent overheating while significantly reducing maintenance and power consumption. The result is enhanced energy efficiency, improved reliability, and reduced operational costs for maritime applications.

2. Battery Energy Storage Systems

Battery energy storage is a critical component of electric and hybrid marine vessels, enabling longer voyages with lower emissions. However, lithium-ion batteries must be kept within precise temperature ranges to maintain efficiency, longevity, and safety. Overheating or uneven temperature distribution can accelerate degradation, reduce charge capacity, and even pose safety risks such as thermal runaway. Conventional liquid cooling systems add weight, complexity, and potential failure points, making them less than ideal for marine applications.

To address this, Calyos integrates micro-channel heat pipes, offering a lightweight, maintenance-free alternative that ensures uniform temperature distribution across battery cells. This advanced cooling solution prevents thermal runaway while extending battery lifespan by minimizing temperature fluctuations. By supporting higher energy density and eliminating active cooling components, Calyos' technology enables more powerful and efficient marine energy storage systems, improving vessel range and reliability.

3. On-Board Compute

From autonomous navigation to real-time data processing, modern marine vessels depend on high-performance computing. Processors, GPUs, and AI-driven control systems generate intense heat, especially in compact, sealed enclosures that lack airflow. Without proper cooling, these systems experience performance throttling, increased power consumption, and potential failures, jeopardizing navigation and onboard operations. Traditional fan-cooled heat sinks struggle in harsh marine conditions, where dust, humidity, and salt exposure can lead to clogging and corrosion.

Calyos' two-phase loops provide a silent, efficient, and maintenance-free solution that keeps mission-critical computing hardware operating at peak performance. Unlike active cooling systems, two-phase loops eliminate the risk of clogging and mechanical failures while maintaining stable thermal performance in extreme conditions. By reducing power consumption and ensuring reliable heat dissipation, Calyos' cooling technology enhances the endurance and efficiency of vessels equipped with advanced computing systems.A Strong Solution: Pump-Free, Maintenance-Free Cooling

A strong solution that is efficient, reliable, and sustainable

At Calyos, we have adapted our space-grade technology to solve the toughest cooling challenges. Our passive two-phase cooling systems leverage phase-change technology for superior heat transfer. Critically for marine applications these systems offer:

• No mechanical failure points – ensuring long-term reliability.
• Vessel-integrated heat dissipation – reducing the need for external exchangers.
• Zero maintenance – eliminating pumps, fans, and filters.
• High durability – designed to withstand extreme conditions.

The shift toward electrification, automation, and high-density energy storage requires a fundamental rethink of how heat is managed aboard maritime vessels. Conventional cooling methods are not only inefficient but also introduce unnecessary weight, complexity, and maintenance requirements that limit long-term operational efficiency. By integrating Calyos’s advanced cooling systems, marine vessels can achieve:

• Extended system lifespan – mitigating corrosion and wear.
• Improved energy efficiency – minimizing energy losses from active cooling components.
• Reduced operational costs – eliminating the need for frequent maintenance and repairs.
• Increased reliability – ensuring critical systems function flawlessly in extreme conditions.
• Enhanced sustainability – reducing reliance on inefficient cooling technologies that contribute to energy waste.

Our two-phase cooling technology offers the opportunity for vessels to operate with greater reliability, reduced energy consumption, and lower total cost of ownership. Whether for autonomous shipping, naval defense, or next-generation electrified vessels, Calyos provides the high-performance cooling solutions needed to keep maritime technology at peak efficiency while supporting a cleaner, more sustainable future for marine ecosystems.

Partner with Calyos for the Future of Marine Cooling

Calyos is actively developing and deploying advanced cooling solutions for marine applications, including power electronics, battery thermal management, and processor cooling. We are working with industry leaders to ensure the next generation of ships operates with greater efficiency, reliability, and sustainability.

If you are designing electrified vessels, integrating autonomous systems, or tackling thermal management challenges in marine applications, we want to hear from you. Let’s work together to create robust, maintenance-free cooling solutions that push the boundaries of performance and reliability.

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